We made it to June and rainy season already is in full throttle here, making me want to take long naps and even sleep through this year’s NBA Final, which is just too damn boring to even bother with it.
But we’ve got real horsepower lined up this week. The Belmont Stakes 2025 is here, and cousin Manny came to visit me in paradise, he knows a thing or two about the track, so I’m letting him share his take on that. We’re also digging into the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts very soon, and of course, we’ll check in on the MLB’s midseason series to watch with even some hot picks.
Let’s hit it.
🏇 Belmont Stakes 2025 – Sovereignty? Journalism?
The Triple Crown’s already off the table, but that doesn’t mean we’re short on action—or opinions. The 157th Belmont Stakes is set to take place on Saturday June 7, at Saratoga Race Course due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park.
Cousin Manny’s Take:
“Listen primo— straight up—this ain’t no wide-open field. This is a two-horse showdown. We got Sovereignty, Derby champ, and Journalism, Preakness king—both sitting at +200 to win on our Den’s board. This one’s the rubber match for the Triple Crown series, and they’re priced dead even in the head-to-head at -110 each, so this is about who handles the day better.
Now, it seems like we’ll be in the low 70s, maybe raining come race time, but those two love sloppy tracks. Out of the 8 horses in the field, only 3 ever even sniffed a win in the mud, and you guessed it—Sovereignty and Journalism are 2 of ‘em. They both got wheels, but with rain in the mix, don’t go loco —this might turn tactical. So if you’re trying to get slick with a pace angle, remember: speed’s sexy, but slop slows them all down”.
Tony’s note: If you’re tossing money on some pedigree flyer out of post 10 just ‘cause the jockey blinked twice at breakfast? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
⚾ MLB Midseason Mayhem – Who’s Hot, Who’s Fool’s Gold?
June’s baseball is when the odds start messing with your head. Some teams look like contenders, but peel back the numbers and you’ll find a bullpen held together with duct tape and vibes. Here’s where the action (and traps) are this week:
- Cubs @ Phillies (June 9–11): Cubs are on a tear, but Philly’s bats at home are always loud. If you’re backing Chicago, make sure Stroman’s on the bump—he’s been money lately. Otherwise, beware the Citizens Bank bandbox.
- Rays @ Red Sox (June 9–11): Tampa’s bullpen is showing cracks, and Devers is heating up in Fenway. Overs might be worth it, especially if Boston’s lefties catch one of the Rays’ back-end starters.
- Braves @ Brewers (June 9–11): This one’s all about pitching. If Milwaukee throws Burnes, lean Under. But if Acuña gets on base early? I would live bet the Braves—they’re lethal with momentum.
- Dodgers @ Padres (June 9–11): Ohtani in Petco… Yeah, it’s a must-watch. But don’t let the hype blind you—Padres tend to hit better at home, and L.A. starters behind Ohtani have been shaky. Great spot for live overs or Padres plus the runs.
- Yankees @ Royals (June 10–12): Yankees have the firepower, but KC’s been scrappy and the market’s been undervaluing them. If Cole’s not pitching, Royals +1.5 is sneaky sharp.
Bottom line: Don’t bet the logo—bet the matchups. Now is the time when reputations make the lines.
⚽ FIFA Club World Cup – A World Cup rehearsal.
FIFA did it again—took something simple and made it a bureaucratic hellscape. Anyways, the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on June 14, bringing together 32 teams from across the globe and matches spreading through 12 U.S. cities, yes, like a World Cup. This tournament brings together the best of each continent, a $1 billion prize pool and a golden badge for the winner to wear until 2029. Now, these Group Stage games have jet lag, rotation risk, and weird kickoff times. Watch the lineups closely before picking a big name. You know Gattuso said it very well… “Sometimes may be good, sometimes may be shit”.
Here are the Top Contenders, or the usual suspects:
- Manchester City: The reigning champions, led by Erling Haaland, are definitely favorites to defend their title and seem to have a safe trip through their group to the Round of 16, along with Juventus (June 26th).
- Real Madrid: With a record five Club World Cup titles and recent signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Los Blancos could add another trophy to their cabinet, or is Kylian Mbappé bringing bad luck to the team? Just sayin’…
- Paris Saint-Germain: They just proved to be the powerhouse of their dreams after winning the UEFA Champions League, but their very first match against the Atletico de Madrid (June 15th) is one to watch, not to bet. Sip your gin & juice and enjoy the show.
- Bayern Munich: With Harry Kane up front and a chip on their shoulder after a flat domestic season, they have only one tough opponent on Boca Juniors (June 20th), which has massive fan backing in US soil.
- Fluminense – This team moves the ball like they’re in a samba circle. Underrated, technical, and calm under pressure. Could be this tourney’s value rocket, but it has to go past Borussia Dortmund for that (June 17th).
- River Plate – Disciplined, physical, and loaded with talent that’s used to high-stakes football. They travel strong and always bring that knockout-round mindset, they only have the Inter (June 25th) in their way during this Group Stage.
🤯 Bet You Didn’t Know – The Club World Cup Makeover
FIFA blew up the old 7-team format and replaced it with a full-on World Cup-style monster. Here’s how this new Club World Cup beast works: 32 clubs, all gunning for glory across U.S. stadiums. You got 12 from Europe (because UEFA always eats first), 6 from South America (the real dogs in the fight), 4 each from Asia, Africa, and Concacaf, 1 from Oceania (yep, still Auckland City), and 1 spot for the host boys—Inter Miami CF.
They’re split into 8 groups of 4. Everyone gets 3 group matches. Top two move on, bottom two go home with sore legs and sad luggage. From there, it’s straight to the Round of 16—one-and-done, no second chances, no third-place charity.
It’s the first time global club bragging rights are really up for grabs. No more “Euro team vs. South American final” and done. It is soccer with the wildest travel schedule you’ve ever seen, all smashed into one summer. Good luck betting chalk through this jungle.
That’s the buzz, folks. From Belmont to busted bullpens & FIFA mess—Uncle Tony and Cousin Manny got your back this time, like a lucky rabbit’s foot dipped in bourbon. Until next time, keep your bets smart and your drinks cold.
